Apparatus, control method and program thereof, and external apparatus

ABSTRACT

A monitoring camera can make communication with a client apparatus through an IP network. The monitoring camera includes an image capturing unit that captures an image of an object, a compressing and encoding unit that overlays overlay information on the captured image, and a communication unit that transmits transparency information indicative of whether or not a transparency can be set for each of a first portion and a second portion of the overlay information, which is overlaid by the compressing and encoding unit, to the client apparatus via the IP network.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.14/461,204, filed Aug. 15, 2014, which claims priority from JapanesePatent Application No. 2013-171645 filed Aug. 21, 2013, which are herebyincorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an apparatus, a control method and aprogram thereof, an external apparatus, a control method and a programthereof, an image capturing system, and a control method and a programthereof. In particular, the present invention relates to a technologythat can overlay information such as an image on a captured image.

2. Description of the Related Art

There has been a technology that overlays a predetermined character, afigure, or the like, at a predetermined position on an image. Forexample, an OnScreenDisplay function (hereinafter, occasionally calledOSD function) of displaying an OSD image at a fixed position on an imagehas been installed.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-146275 discloses an image processingdisplay device that displays a video image in a transparent manner frombeneath an OSD image based on a blend value relating to the OSD image.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-163258 discloses visual equipment thatoutputs control command data for OSD display to an interface cable, andvisual equipment that receives the control command data output to theinterface cable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, there is provided an apparatus according to an aspect ofthe invention for communicating with an external apparatus via anetwork. The apparatus includes an image capturing section configured tocapture an image of an object; an overlaying section configured tooverlay overlay information on the captured image; and a transmittingsection configured to transmit transparency information indicative ofwhether or not a transparency can be set for each of a first portion anda second portion of the overlay information, to the external apparatus.

Also, there is provided an external apparatus according to anotheraspect of the invention for communicating with an apparatus via anetwork, the apparatus including an image capturing unit configured tocapture an image of an object and an overlaying unit configured tooverlay overlay information on the captured image. The externalapparatus includes an acquiring section configured to acquiretransparency information indicative of whether or not a transparency canbe set for each of a first portion and a second portion of the overlayinformation from the apparatus.

Also, there is provided a control method of an apparatus according tostill another aspect of the invention for communicating with an externalapparatus via a network. The control method includes capturing an imageof an object; overlaying overlay information on the captured image; andtransmitting transparency information indicative of whether or not atransparency can be set for each of a first portion and a second portionof the overlay information to the external apparatus.

Also, there is provided a computer executable program for controlling anapparatus according to yet another aspect of the invention forcommunicating with an external apparatus via a network. The programcauses the computer to execute instructions including capturing an imageof an object; overlaying overlay information on the captured image; andtransmitting transparency information indicative of whether or not atransparency can be set for each of a first portion and a second portionof the overlay information to the external apparatus.

Also, there is provided an apparatus according to a further aspect ofthe invention for communicating with an external apparatus via anetwork. The apparatus includes an image capturing section configured tocapture an image of an object; an overlaying section configured tooverlay overlay information on the captured image; and a transmittingsection configured to, if the overlay information is first overlayinformation, transmit transparency information indicative that atransparency cannot be set, to the external apparatus, and if theoverlay information is second overlay information, transmit transparencyinformation indicative of whether or not the transparency can be set foreach of a first portion and a second portion of the second overlayinformation, to the external apparatus.

Also, there is provided an external apparatus according to a stillfurther aspect of the invention for communicating with an apparatus viaa network, the apparatus including an image capturing unit configured tocapture an image of an object and an overlaying unit configured tooverlay overlay information on the captured image. The externalapparatus includes an acquiring section configured to, if the overlayinformation is first overlay information, acquire transparencyinformation indicative that a transparency cannot be set, from theapparatus, and if the overlay information is second overlay information,acquire transparency information indicative of whether or not thetransparency can be set for each of a first portion and a second portionof the second overlay information, from the apparatus.

Also, there is provided a control method of an apparatus according to ayet further aspect of the invention for communicating with an externalapparatus via a network. The control method includes capturing an imageof an object; overlaying overlay information on the captured image; andtransmitting, if the overlay information is first overlay information,transparency information indicative that a transparency cannot be set,to the external apparatus, and if the overlay information is secondoverlay information, transmitting transparency information indicative ofwhether or not the transparency can be set for each of a first portionand a second portion of the second information, to the externalapparatus.

Also, there is provided a computer executable program for controlling anapparatus according to a yet further aspect of the invention forcommunicating with an external apparatus via a network. The programcauses the computer to execute instructions including capturing an imageof an object; overlaying overlay information on the captured image; andtransmitting, if the overlay information is first overlay information,transparency information indicative that a transparency cannot be set,to the external apparatus, and if the overlay information is secondoverlay information, transmitting transparency information indicative ofwhether or not the transparency can be set for each of a first portionand a second portion of the second information, to the externalapparatus.

Further features of the present invention will become apparent from thefollowing description of exemplary embodiments with reference to theattached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A shows an example of a monitoring camera according to a firstembodiment of the invention, and FIG. 1B shows an example of a systemconfiguration of a monitoring system according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 2 shows an example of a hardware configuration of the monitoringcamera according to the first embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 3A and 3B each show an example of processing for merging acaptured image with an OSD image according to the first embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 4 shows an example of an image in which a captured image is mergedwith an OSD image according to the first embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 5A and 5B each show an example of font data used for a textincluded in an OSD image according to the first embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram for describing a command sequence of themonitoring camera and a client apparatus according to the firstembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram for describing a command sequence of themonitoring camera and the client apparatus according to the firstembodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 8A to 8G show an example of a definition of OSDConfiguration typeaccording to the first embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 9A to 9E show an example of a definition ofOSDConfigurationOptions type according to the first embodiment of theinvention.

FIGS. 10A to 10F show an example of a definition ofOSDConfigurationOptions type according to the first embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 11 shows a configuration of a response ofGetOSDConfigurationOptions type according to the first embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 12 is a display example of an overlaid image setting screenaccording to the first embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 13 is flowchart showing display processing of the overlaid imagesetting screen according to the first embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 14 shows an example of a hardware configuration of the clientapparatus according to the first embodiment of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

An embodiment of the invention is described below with reference to theattached drawings. In the configuration described in the embodiment ismerely an example, and the invention is not limited to the illustratedconfiguration.

First Embodiment

FIG. 1A shows an example of a monitoring camera according to thisembodiment. A monitoring camera 1000 in FIG. 1A includes a housing 1101having a lens, and an arm mechanism 1102. The arm mechanism 1102 hangsthe monitoring camera 1000 from an installation position such as aceiling. Also, the arm mechanism 1102 can change an image capturingdirection of the monitoring camera 1000 by rotating the housing 1101 ina pan direction and a tilt direction, and also can fix the imagecapturing direction.

It is assumed that the monitoring camera 1000 according to thisembodiment is an image capturing apparatus that captures a movie, andmore particularly a network camera used for monitoring. Also, it isassumed that the arm mechanism 1102 includes a stepping motor forrotating the housing 1101 in the pan direction, and a stepping motor forrotating the housing 1101 in the tilt direction.

FIG. 1B shows an example of a system configuration of a monitoringsystem according to this embodiment. In the monitoring system accordingto this embodiment, the monitoring camera 1000 is connected with aclient apparatus 2000 through an IP network 1500 so that mutualcommunication can be made. The client apparatus 2000 in this embodimentis an example of an external apparatus such as a PC. Also, themonitoring system according to this embodiment corresponds to an imagecapturing system.

It is assumed that the IP network 1500 is formed of a plurality ofrouters, switches, and cables that meet a communication standard, forexample, Ethernet (registered trademark). However, in this embodiment,the communication standard, scale, and configuration are not limited aslong as communication can be made between the monitoring camera 1000 andthe client apparatus 2000.

For example, the IP network 1500 may be formed of the Internet, a wiredlocal area network (LAN), a wireless LAN, a wide area network (WAN), orthe like. The monitoring camera 1000 according to this embodiment may becompatible with Power Over Ethernet (PoE, registered trademark), and maybe supplied with power through a LAN cable.

The client apparatus 2000 transmits various commands to the monitoringcamera 1000. The commands include, for example, a command of changing animage capturing parameter (described later) and a command of startingimage streaming (described later). The details of these commands will bedescribed later. Also, the monitoring camera 1000 transmits a responseand an image stream to the client apparatus 2000.

FIG. 2 shows an example of a hardware configuration of the monitoringcamera 1000 according to this embodiment. In FIG. 2, a lens 1001 focusesan image of an object at an image capturing unit 1002. The imagecapturing unit 1002 generates a captured image by capturing the image ofthe object focused by the lens 1001. Then, the image capturing unit 1002outputs the generated captured image to an image processing unit 1003.

The image processing unit 1003 executes image processing on the capturedimage output from the image capturing unit 1002 in accordance with aninstruction of a control unit 1008 (described later). The imageprocessing unit 1003 outputs the captured image after the imageprocessing to a compressing and encoding unit 1004. The compressing andencoding unit 1004 compresses and encodes the captured image output fromthe image processing unit 1003 in accordance with an instruction of thecontrol unit 1008.

A communication unit 1005 distributes the captured image compressed andencoded by the compressing and encoding unit 1004 to the clientapparatus 2000 through the IP network 1500. The communication unit 1005receives an OSD setting command transmitted from the client apparatus2000, through the IP network 1500. Further, the communication unit 1005receives an encoding setting command transmitted from the clientapparatus 2000, through the IP network 1500.

Also, the communication unit 1005 receives a setting command for thecaptured image (hereinafter, occasionally called image setting command).This image setting command includes, for example, a setting command forthe image size, and a setting command relating to exposure control, suchas white balance and gain, for an object image. The communication unit1005 in this embodiment corresponds to a receiving unit that receives animage from the client apparatus 2000.

A lens control unit 1006 controls the lens 1001 so that the lens 1001changes the aperture stop in accordance with the image of the object,the lens 1001 adjusts the focus position and hence executes focusadjustment, and an infrared cut filter is inserted to and removed fromthe lens 1001. Also, an OSD generating unit 1007 generates an OSD imagein accordance with an instruction of the control unit 1008. The OSDgenerating unit 1007 outputs the generated OSD image to the compressingand encoding unit 1004.

The compressing and encoding unit 1004 merges the OSD image output fromthe OSD generating unit 1007 with the captured image output from theimage processing unit 1003. For example, the compressing and encodingunit 1004 overlays the OSD image output from the OSD generating unit1007 on the captured image output from the image processing unit 1003.Then, the compressing and encoding unit 1004 compresses and encodes themerged captured image. The compressing and encoding unit 1004 outputsthe compressed and encoded captured image to the communication unit1005.

The compressing and encoding unit 1004 according to this embodimentcorresponds to an overlaying unit that overlays the OSD image on thecaptured image output from the image capturing unit 1002. Also, the OSDimage according to this embodiment corresponds to overlay information.

The control unit 1008 controls the entire monitoring camera 1000. Thecontrol unit 1008 is formed of, for example, a central processing unit(CPU), and executes a program stored in a storage unit 1009 (describedlater). Alternatively, the control unit 1008 may execute control byusing hardware.

The control unit 1008 analyzes the image setting command received fromthe communication unit 1005. Then, the control unit 1008 generates imagesetting information based on the analyzed image setting command. Thecontrol unit 1008 outputs the generated image setting information to theimage processing unit 1003, and simultaneously to the output, stores thegenerated image setting information in the storage unit 1009.

The image processing unit 1003 executes image processing on the capturedimage output from the image capturing unit 1002, in accordance with theimage setting information output from the control unit 1008, and outputsthe captured image after the image processing to the compressing andencoding unit 1004.

The control unit 1008 analyzes the OSD setting command received from thecommunication unit 1005. Then, the control unit 1008 generates OSDsetting information based on the analyzed OSD setting command. Thecontrol unit 1008 outputs the generated OSD setting information to theOSD generating unit 1007, and simultaneously to the output, stores thegenerated OSD setting information in the storage unit 1009.

The OSD generating unit 1007 generates the OSD image in accordance withthe OSD setting information output from the control unit 1008. The OSDsetting information includes the color, transparency, and overlayposition information, etc., of the OSD image. The overlay positioninformation is information indicative of the position at which the OSDimage is overlaid on the captured image output from the image processingunit 1003.

The control unit 1008 analyzes the encoding setting command receivedfrom the communication unit 1005. Then, the control unit 1008 generatesencoding setting information based on the analyzed encoding settingcommand. The control unit 1008 stores the generated encoding settinginformation in the storage unit 1009, and outputs the generated encodingsetting information to the compression and encoding unit 1004.

The encoding setting information output from the control unit 1008includes designation information relating to, for example, the encodingmethod of data and image size (or image resolution).

The compressing and encoding unit 1004 converts the captured imageoutput from the image processing unit 1003 into an image with the imagesize or image resolution designated in the encoding setting informationoutput from the control unit 1008. Alternatively, the compressing andencoding unit 1004 converts the merged image in which the captured imageoutput from the image processing unit 1003 is merged with the OSD imageoutput from the OSD generating unit 1007, into an image with the imagesize or image resolution designated in the encoding setting informationoutput from the control unit 1008.

The compressing and encoding unit 1004 compresses and encodes theconverted captured image by the encoding method designated in theencoding setting information output from the control unit 1008. In thisembodiment, it is assumed that the designated encoding method includes,for example, JPEG, MPEG, H.264, and H.265.

Since the above-described operation is provided, the monitoring camera1000 according to this embodiment can convert an image of a singleobject into a plurality of images with different image sizes. Themonitoring camera 1000 can compress and encode the plurality ofconverted images into a plurality of images with different encodingmethods. The monitoring camera 1000 can substantially simultaneouslydistribute the compressed and encoded images by streaming.

The images distributed by streaming are output to the outside throughthe communication unit 1005.

FIG. 14 shows an example of a hardware configuration of the clientapparatus 2000 according to this embodiment. The client apparatus 2000according to this embodiment is formed as a computer apparatus connectedwith the IP network 1500.

A control unit 2005 controls the entire client apparatus 2000. Thecontrol unit 2005 is formed of, for example, a CPU, and executes aprogram stored in a storage unit 2006 (described later). Alternatively,the control unit 2005 may execute control by using hardware. The storageunit 2006 is used as a storage region of a program executed by thecontrol unit 2005, a work region during execution of the program, and astorage region of data.

A communication unit 2004 transmits a command or the like to themonitoring camera 1000 in response to an instruction of the control unit2005. Also, the communication unit 2004 receives a response to acommand, an image distributed by streaming, or the like, from themonitoring camera 1000 in response to an instruction of the control unit2005.

An input unit 2001 receives the input of an instruction from a user. Forexample, the input unit 2001 can accept the input of a transmissioninstruction of any of various commands for the monitoring camera 1000,as an instruction from the user. Also, the input unit 2001 can acceptthe input of a response from the user for an inquiry message or the liketo the user, which is generated when the control unit 2005 executes aprogram stored in the storage unit 2006.

A decoding and decompressing unit 2003 decodes and decompresses theimage output from the communication unit 2004. The decoding anddecompressing unit 2003 outputs the decoded and decompressed image to adisplay unit 2002. The display unit 2002 displays the image output fromthe decoding and decompressing unit 2003. Also, the display unit 2002can display the inquiry message or the like to the user, which isgenerated when the control unit 2005 executes a program stored in thestorage unit 2006.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are each a flowchart showing an example processing formerging the captured image output from the image capturing unit 1002with the OSD image output from the OSD generating unit 1007. Inparticular, FIG. 3A is a flowchart showing the entire exampleprocessing. FIG. 3B is a flowchart showing an example of step S3004 inFIG. 3A. It is assumed that the processing shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B isexecuted by the control unit 1008.

In step S3001, the control unit 1008 receives the OSD setting commandtransmitted from the client apparatus 2000, through the communicationunit 1005. The control unit 1008 analyzes the OSD setting command, andgenerates the OSD setting information.

In step S3002, the control unit 1008 outputs the OSD setting informationgenerated in step S3001 to the OSD generating unit 1007. Also,simultaneously to the output, the control unit 1008 outputs the imagesetting information set in the image processing unit 1003 to the OSDgenerating unit 1007. The image setting information includes, forexample, information relating to the image size.

In step S3003, the control unit 1008 instructs the OSD generating unit1007 to prepare bitmap data for the OSD image. It is assumed that thebitmap data is held in a memory provided in the OSD generating unit1007.

For example, if the OSD image is a text, the control unit 1008 instructsthe OSD generating unit 1007 to read plural pieces of font data withdifferent sizes from the storage unit 1009, and to prepare plural piecesof bitmap data corresponding to the image size of the captured image.This is to allow the OSD images to be overlaid on the captured imagewith a uniform ratio with respect to the captured image regardless ofthe image size of the captured image.

In step S3004, the control unit 1008 instructs the OSD generating unit1007 to generate an OSD image as bitmap data. The OSD image correspondsto the transparency and color designated in the OSD setting informationgenerated in step S3001. The processing in step S3004 will be describedin detail with reference to FIG. 3B.

In step S3005, the control unit 1008 instructs the OSD generating unit1007 to output OSD management information to the compressing andencoding unit 1004.

The OSD management information is for determining the merging positionof the bitmap data with respect to the captured image output from theimage processing unit 1003. Also, the merging position is obtained basedon overlay position information of the OSD image designated in the OSDsetting information received in step S3001, and the bitmap datagenerated in step S3004.

Also, the compressing and encoding unit 1004 merges the OSD image outputfrom the OSD generating unit 1007 with the captured image output fromthe image processing unit 1003. During the merge, the compressing andencoding unit 1004 reflects the image size of the captured image or theresolution of the captured image on the OSD image and the OSD managementinformation output from the OSD generating unit 1007.

The compressing and encoding unit 1004 compresses and encodes the mergedcaptured image by the encoding method designated in the encoding settinginformation output from the control unit 1008. With this processing, thecaptured image merged with the OSD image is distributed to the clientapparatus 2000 by streaming through the communication unit 1005.

If the OSD image designated in the OSD setting information includes anelement, which is updated every second, such as time, the OSD generatingunit 1007 reflects a new OSD image and new OSD management information,on the compressing and encoding unit 1004 every update.

FIG. 3B is a flowchart for describing the OSD image generatingprocessing in step S3004 shown in FIG. 3A. The processing shown in FIG.3B is executed by the control unit 1008.

In step S3101, the control unit 1008 determines the transparency of thefont designated in the OSD setting information generated in step S3001.For example, in this embodiment, it is assumed that the transparency ofthe font has three levels. Based on this assumption, the control unit1008 advances the processing to step S3102 if the transparency of thefont designated in the OSD setting information generated in step S3001is 0.

The control unit 1008 advances the processing to step S3103 if thetransparency of the font designated in the OSD setting informationgenerated in step S3001 is 1. The control unit 1008 advances theprocessing to step S3104 if the transparency of the font designated inthe OSD setting information generated in step S3001 is 2.

In step S3102, the control unit 1008 instructs the OSD generating unit1007 to generate a text so that the font of the text of the OSD image isblended by 100% with the captured image by the compressing and encodingunit 1004. Accordingly, the captured image output form the imageprocessing unit 1003 is not viewed in a transparent manner from beneaththe text of the generated OSD image.

In step S3103, the control unit 1008 instructs the OSD generating unit1007 to generate a text so that the font of the text of the OSD image isblended by 50% with the captured image by the compressing and encodingunit 1004. Accordingly, the captured image output form the imageprocessing unit 1003 may be viewed in a transparent manner from beneaththe text of the generated OSD image.

In step S3104, the control unit 1008 instructs the OSD generating unit1007 to generate a text so that the font of the text of the OSD image isnot blended with the captured image by the compressing and encoding unit1004. Accordingly, the text of the generated OSD image is not viewed tobe overlaid on the captured image output from the image processing unit1003.

In step S3105, the control unit 1008 determines the transparency of thebackground designated in the OSD setting information generated in stepS3001. For example, in this embodiment, it is assumed that thetransparency of the background has three levels. Based on thisassumption, the control unit 1008 advances the processing to step S3106if the transparency of the background designated in the OSD settinginformation generated in step S3001 is 0.

Also, the control unit 1008 advances the processing to step S3107 if thetransparency of the background designated in the OSD setting informationgenerated in step S3001 is 1. The control unit 1008 advances theprocessing to step S3108 if the transparency of the backgrounddesignated in the OSD setting information generated in step S3001 is 2.

In step S3106, the control unit 1008 instructs the OSD generating unit1007 to generate an OSD image so that the background of the text of theOSD image is blended by 100% with the captured image by the compressingand encoding unit 1004. Accordingly, the captured image output form theimage processing unit 1003 is not viewed in a transparent manner frombeneath the background of the generated OSD image.

In step S3107, the control unit 1008 instructs the OSD generating unit1007 to generate a background so that the background of the text of theOSD image is blended by 50% with the captured image by the compressingand encoding unit 1004. Accordingly, the captured image output form theimage processing unit 1003 may be viewed in a transparent manner frombeneath the background of the generated OSD image.

In step S3108, the control unit 1008 instructs the OSD generating unit1007 to generate an OSD image so that the background of the text of theOSD image is not blended with the captured image by the compressing andencoding unit 1004. Accordingly, the background of the generated OSDimage is not viewed to be overlaid on the captured image output from theimage processing unit 1003.

FIG. 4 shows an example image in which a captured image output from theimage processing unit 1003 is merged with an OSD image output from theOSD generating unit 1007. In the image shown in FIG. 4, an image area4001 is an area in which the captured image output from the imageprocessing unit 1003 is displayed. An image area 4002 is an area fordisplaying the date on which an object corresponding to the capturedimage output from the image processing unit 1003 was captured.

Whether the date is displayed in the image area 4002 or not isdesignated in the OSD setting information.

An image area 4003 is an area for displaying the time at which theobject corresponding to the captured image output from the imageprocessing unit 1003 was captured. Whether the time is displayed in theimage area 4003 or not is designated in the OSD setting information. Animage area 4004 is an area for displaying a text for describing theobject corresponding to the captured image output from the imageprocessing unit 1003.

The text is a plain text without a change over time. Also, this textcorresponds to the text information input to the client apparatus 2000by the user. Also, the text displayed in the image area 4004 is includedin the OSD setting information.

FIGS. 5A and 5B each show an example of font data used for the textincluded in the OSD image. The font data is held in the storage unit1009. The font data is used for displaying the date, time, and plaintext in FIG. 4.

A data area 5001 in FIG. 5A represents a font used for the text includedin the OSD image. Also, a data area 5002 represents a background of thetext included in the OSD image.

A data area 5003 in FIG. 5B represents a font used for a text includedin the OSD image. Also, a data area 5004 represents an outline of a fontused for the text included in the OSD image. The outline is thebackground of the text included in the OSD image. A data area 5005represents a non-overlay area that is not overlaid on the captured imageoutput from the image processing unit 1003.

The data area 5005 corresponds to a portion obtained when the data area5003 and the data area 5004 are removed from the OSD image.

FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram for describing a typical command sequencebetween the monitoring camera 1000 and the client apparatus 2000 fromwhen the setting of the parameter is started for the image to bedistributed by streaming until when the image is distributed bystreaming.

A transaction according to this embodiment indicates a pair of a commandthat is transmitted from the client apparatus 2000 to the monitoringcamera 1000 and a response that is returned from the monitoring camera1000 to the client apparatus 2000.

Reference sign 6000 in FIG. 6 is a transaction for apparatus search. Theclient apparatus 2000 transmits Probe command including a predeterminedsearch condition for searching a monitoring camera, which is connectedon the network, by multicast. Among monitoring cameras, which havereceived the Probe command, a monitoring camera that matches the searchcondition returns ProbeMatch command to the client apparatus 2000, whichis a transmission source of Probe command, and the search is completed.

Reference sign 6001 is GetProfiles transaction. This transaction is foracquiring MediaProfile corresponding to a distribution profile. Theclient apparatus 2000 transmits GetProfiles command to the monitoringcamera 1000. Then, the monitoring camera 1000, which has receivedGetProfiles command, transmits a list of MediaProfile to the clientapparatus 2000.

Accordingly, the client apparatus 2000 acquires the list of MediaProfilethat can be currently used in the monitoring camera 1000, together witha distribution profile ID for identifying MediaProfile.

Reference sign 6002 is GetVideoSources transaction. This transaction isfor acquiring the function of the image processing unit 1003. The clientapparatus 2000 transmits GetVideoSources command to the monitoringcamera 1000. Then, the monitoring camera 1000, which has receivedGetVideoSources command, returns a response to this command to theclient apparatus 2000.

With this transaction, the client apparatus 2000 acquires settinginformation of the image processing function held in the monitoringcamera 1000.

Reference sign 6003 is GetVideoSourceConfigurations transaction. Thistransaction is for acquiring a list of image processing setting from themonitoring camera 1000. The client apparatus 2000 transmitsGetVideoSources command to the monitoring camera 1000.

The monitoring camera 1000, which has received GetVideoSources command,returns a list including IDs of image processing setting held in themonitoring camera 1000 to the client apparatus 2000. The list is anexample of image setting information generated by the control unit 1008.

Reference sign 6004 is GetVideoEncorderConfigurations transaction. Thistransaction is for acquiring the function of the compressing andencoding unit 1004. The client apparatus 2000 transmitsGetVideoEncorderConfigurations command to the monitoring camera 1000.Also, the monitoring camera 1000, which has received this command,returns a response to the command.

With this transaction, the client apparatus 2000 acquires informationrelating to the function provided by the compressing and encoding unit1004 of the monitoring camera 1000. The information is an example ofencoding setting information generated by the control unit 1008.

Reference sign 6005 is GetVideoEncorderConfigurationOptions transaction.This transaction is for acquiring a list of setting for the compressingand encoding unit 1004. The client apparatus 2000 transmitsGetVideoEncorderConfigurationOptions command to the monitoring camera1000.

The monitoring camera 1000, which has received this command, returns aresponse to the command. With this transaction, the client apparatus2000 acquires a list including IDs of compressing and encoding settingstored in the storage unit 1009 from the monitoring camera 1000.

Reference sign 6006 is CreateProfile transaction. This transaction isfor requesting creation of a distribution profile. The client apparatus2000 transmits CreateProfile command to the monitoring camera 1000. Themonitoring camera 1000, which has received this command, returns aresponse to the command.

With this transaction, the client apparatus 2000 can newly create adistribution profile in the monitoring camera 1000, and acquire ID ofthe created distribution profile. Also, the monitoring camera 1000stores the newly created distribution profile.

Reference sign 6007 is AddVideoSourceConfiguration transaction. Thistransaction is for requesting addition of image processing setting. Theclient apparatus 2000 transmits AddVideoSourceConfiguration command tothe monitoring camera 1000.

The monitoring camera 1000, which has received this command, returns aresponse to this command to the client apparatus 2000. With thistransaction, the client apparatus 2000 designates the distributionprofile ID acquired in 6006 and the ID of the image processing settingacquired in 6003. The monitoring camera 1000 associates the designateddistribution profile with the designated image processing setting, andstores the designated distribution profile and the image processingsetting.

The command 6007 is an example of the above-described image settingcommand.

Reference sign 6008 is AddVideoEncorderConfiguration transaction. Thistransaction is for requesting addition of compressing and encodingsetting. The client apparatus 2000 transmitsAddVideoEncorderConfiguration command to the monitoring camera 1000. Themonitoring camera 1000 returns a response to this command to the clientapparatus 2000.

With this transaction, the client apparatus 2000 designates thedistribution profile ID acquired in 6006 and the ID of the compressingand encoding setting acquired in 6004, and associates the distributionprofile with the compressing and encoding setting. The monitoring camera1000 associates the designated distribution profile with the designatedcompressing and encoding setting, and stores the designated distributionprofile and the compressing and encoding setting.

Reference sign 6009 is SetVideoEncorderConfiguration transaction. Thistransaction is for changing the compressing and encoding setting. Theclient apparatus 2000 transmits SetVideoEncorderConfiguration command tothe monitoring camera 1000.

The monitoring camera 1000, which has received this command, returns aresponse to the command. With this transaction, the client apparatus2000 changes the content of the compressing and encoding settingacquired in 6004, based on the choice in 6005. For example, thecompressing and encoding method or the segmentation size is changed. Themonitoring camera 1000 stores the content of the changed compressing andencoding setting.

The command of 6008 and the command of 6009 are examples of theabove-described encoding setting command.

Reference sign 6010 is GetStreamUri transaction. This transaction is forrequesting acquisition of a distribution address. With this transaction,the client apparatus 2000 designates the distribution profile IDacquired in 6006, and acquires the distribution address for acquiring avideo distributed based on the setting of the designated distributionprofile.

The monitoring camera 1000 returns the image processing settingassociated with the designated profile ID, and the distribution addressfor distribution of an image corresponding to the content of thecompressing and encoding setting, to the client apparatus 2000.

Reference sign 6011 is DESCRIBE transaction. This transaction is forrequesting acquisition of distribution information. The client apparatus2000 transmits DESCRIBE command to the monitoring camera 1000. Themonitoring camera 1000, which has received this command, returns aresponse to this command to the client apparatus 2000.

In this transaction, the client apparatus 2000 designates thedistribution address acquired in 6010, and acquires detailed datarelating to the distribution information of the monitoring camera 1000.

Reference sign 6012 is SETUP transaction. This transaction is forrequesting distribution setting. The client apparatus 2000 transmitsSETUP command to the monitoring camera 1000. The monitoring camera 1000,which has received this command, returns a response to this command tothe client apparatus 2000.

In this transaction, the client apparatus 2000 causes the monitoringcamera 1000 to prepare streaming, based on the detailed data relating tothe distribution information acquired in 6011. By executing thiscommand, a transmission method of a stream including a session number isshared between the client apparatus 2000 and the monitoring camera 1000.

Reference sign 6013 is PLAY transaction. This transaction is forstarting distribution. The client apparatus 2000 transmits PLAY commandto the monitoring camera 1000. The monitoring camera 1000, which hasreceived this command, returns a response to this command to the clientapparatus 2000.

When the client apparatus 2000 transmits PLAY command to the monitoringcamera 1000, the client apparatus 2000 uses the session number acquiredin 6012. Accordingly, the stream of the image based on the setting ofthe distribution profile designated for the monitoring camera 1000 canbe started.

Reference sign 6014 is a stream, which is distributed form themonitoring camera 1000 to the client apparatus 2000. The stream, thedistribution of which is requested to be stated in 6013, is distributedby the transmission method shared in 6012.

Reference sign 6015 is TEARDOWN transaction. This transaction is forstopping the distribution. The client apparatus 2000 transmits TEARDOWNcommand to the monitoring camera 1000. The monitoring camera 1000, whichhas received this command, returns a response to the command.

In this transaction, the client apparatus 2000 designates the sessionnumber acquired in 6012 and stops streaming in distribution.

FIG. 7 shows a typical command sequence between the monitoring camera1000 and the client apparatus 2000, for setting image overlay processingetc.

Reference sign 6050 in FIG. 7 is GetServices transaction. Thistransaction is for requesting acquisition of the function of themonitoring camera 1000. The client apparatus 2000 transmits GetServicescommand to the monitoring camera 1000. The monitoring camera 1000, whichhas received this command, returns a response to the command.

In this transaction, the client apparatus 2000 acquires a list offunctions held in the monitoring camera 1000. The client apparatus 2000checks whether or not the monitoring camera 1000 is capable of the imageprocessing function and the compressing and encoding function.

Reference sign 6051 is GetServiceCapabilities transaction. Thistransaction is for requesting acquisition of the function correspondingto image overlay processing. The client apparatus 2000 transmitsGetServiceCapabilities command to the monitoring camera 1000. Themonitoring camera 1000, which has received this command, returns aresponse to the command.

In this transaction, the client apparatus 2000 checks whether or not themonitoring camera 1000 is capable of the image overlay processing. Forexample, the control unit 2005 receives overlay capability informationindicative of whether or not the monitoring camera 1000 is capable ofthe image overlay processing, from the monitoring camera 1000 throughthe communication unit 2004.

Reference sign 6052 is GetVideoSourceConfigurations transaction. Thistransaction is for acquiring a list of image processing setting. Theclient apparatus 2000 transmits GetVideoSourceConfigurations command tothe monitoring camera 1000.

The monitoring camera 1000, which has received this command, returns aresponse to this command to the client apparatus 2000. With thistransaction, the client apparatus 2000 acquires a list including IDs ofimage processing setting held in the monitoring camera 1000, from themonitoring camera 1000. The list is an example of image settinginformation generated by the control unit 1008.

Reference sign 6053 is GetOSDs transaction. This transaction is forrequesting acquisition of an image overlay setting list. The clientapparatus 2000 transmits GetOSDs command to the monitoring camera 1000.The monitoring camera 1000, which has received this command, returns aresponse to this command to the client apparatus 2000.

In this transaction, the client apparatus 2000 designates the imageprocessing setting ID acquired in 6052. Accordingly, the clientapparatus 2000 acquires the list of all image overlay setting includingOSDToken, which is an ID of the image overlay setting associated withthe image processing setting held in the monitoring camera 1000.

Reference sign 6054 is GetOSDOptions transaction. This transaction isfor acquiring an option of the image overlay setting. The clientapparatus 2000 transmits GetOSDOptions command to the monitoring camera1000. The monitoring camera 1000, which has received this command,returns a response to this command to the client apparatus 2000.

In this transaction, the client apparatus 2000 designates the imageprocessing setting ID acquired in 6052. Accordingly, the clientapparatus 2000 acquires choices that can be set and the range of settingvalues for each parameter of the image overlay setting associated withthe image processing setting held in the monitoring camera 1000.

The parameter of the image overlay setting is provided for each of thefont and background of the overlay text. If the transparency can be set,the items and range thereof are also included.

For example, if the control unit 2005 receives the overlay capabilityinformation indicative that the monitoring camera 1000 is capable of theimage overlay processing through the communication unit 2004, thecontrol unit 2005 transmits the command of 6054 to the monitoring camera1000 through the communication unit 2004.

In contrast, for example, if the control unit 2005 receives the overlaycapability information indicative that the monitoring camera 1000 is notcapable of the image overlay processing through the communication unit2004, the control unit 2005 does not transmit the command of 6054 to themonitoring camera 1000 through the communication unit 2004.

Reference sign 6055 is CreateOSD transaction. This transaction is forcreating the image overlay setting. The client apparatus 2000 transmitsCreateOSD command to the monitoring camera 1000. The monitoring camera1000, which has received this command, returns a response to thiscommand to the client apparatus 2000.

With this transaction, the client apparatus 2000 can create new imageoverlay setting in the monitoring camera 1000 based on the choiceacquired in 6054. The monitoring camera 1000 returns OSDToken, which isan image overlay setting ID, in accordance with the image overlaysetting designated by the client apparatus 2000.

Reference sign 6056 is GetOSD transaction. This transaction is forrequesting acquisition of image overlay setting. The client apparatus2000 transmits GetOSD command to the monitoring camera 1000. Themonitoring camera 1000, which has received this command, returns aresponse to this command to the client apparatus 2000.

In this transaction, the client apparatus 2000 acquires the imageoverlay setting by using OSDToken, which is the image overlay setting IDacquired in 6055. The response in 6053 and the response in 6056 areexamples of the OSD setting information generated by the control unit1008.

Reference sign 6057 is SetOSD transaction. This transaction is forchanging the image overlay setting. The client apparatus 2000 transmitsSetOSD command to the monitoring camera 1000. The monitoring camera1000, which has received this command, returns a response to thiscommand to the client apparatus 2000.

In this transaction, the client apparatus 2000 designates OSDToken,which is the image overlay setting ID. Accordingly, the client apparatus2000 can change the image overlay setting acquired in 6056 and thecontent of the image overlay setting newly created in 6055, based on thechoice acquired in 6054. For example, the overlay position and thecontent of the overlay text are changed.

The command of 6055 and the command of 6057 are examples of theabove-described OSD setting command.

For example, the control unit 1008 of the monitoring camera 1000, whichhas received the command in 6057, determines whether or not thetransparency of the text included in the OSD image is designated in thereceived command.

Then, if the control unit 1008 determines that the transparency isdesignated, the control unit 1008 determines whether or not thetransparency of the text included in the OSD image in the command of6057 is in the range of transparency of the text included in the OSDimage indicated by the response of 6055.

If the control unit 1008 determines that the transparency is included inthe range, the control unit 1008 transmits information indicative of anormal state to the client apparatus 2000 through the communication unit1005. In contrast, if the control unit 1008 determines that thetransparency is not included in the range, the control unit 1008transmits information indicative of an abnormal state to the clientapparatus 2000 through the communication unit 1005.

For example, a case is assumed, in which the response of 6054 indicativethat the transparency cannot be set for the text of the OSD image or thebackground of the text is transmitted from the monitoring camera 1000.

In this case, the control unit 1008 of the monitoring camera 1000, whichhas received the command in 6057, determines whether or not thetransparency of the text included in the OSD image and the transparencyof the background of the text are included in the received command.Then, if the control unit 1008 determines that the transparencies areincluded, the control unit 1008 transmits information indicative of theabnormal state to the client apparatus 2000 through the communicationunit 1005.

Reference sign 6058 is DeleteOSD transaction. This transaction is fordeleting the image overlay setting. The client apparatus 2000 transmitsDeleteOSD command to the monitoring camera 1000. The monitoring camera1000, which has received this command, returns a response to thiscommand to the client apparatus 2000.

With this transaction, the client apparatus 2000 deletes the imageoverlay setting acquired in 6053 and 6056, and the image overlay settingnewly created in 6055, from the monitoring camera 1000. The monitoringcamera 1000 deletes the image overlay setting having OSDToken of thedesignated image overlay setting ID.

FIGS. 8A to 8G are each an illustration for describing a configurationof OSDConfiguration, which is data types according to this embodiment.It is assumed that the data type shown in each of FIGS. 8A to 8G isdefined by using, for example, XML schema definition language(hereinafter, occasionally called XSD).

FIG. 8A illustrates a definition example of OSDConfiguration type. Asshown in FIG. 8A, OSDConfiguration type is defined as a complex type bycomplexType declaration of XML. Also, regarding the OSDConfigurationtype, complexContent element, and extension element and its baseattribute indicate an extension type, in which DeviceEntity type isextended.

Also, regarding the OSDConfiguration type, sequence element indicatesthat data extension is executed in the defined order.

FIG. 8B illustrates a definition example of OSDRefernece type. In dataof OSDReference type, simpleContent element, and extension element andits base attribute indicate an extension type, in which ReferenceTokentype is extended.

FIG. 8C illustrates a definition example of OSDType type. In thedefinition example of OSDType, simpleType element indicates a simpletype of XML, and restriction element and its base attribute indicatethat the type is a value restriction type of string type. In the examplein FIG. 7C, the value of OSDType is Text, Image, or Extended.

FIG. 8D illustrates a definition example of OSDPosConfiguration type. Inthe definition example of the OSDPosConfiguration type, complexTypeelement indicates that the type is defined as a complex type. Also,sequence element indicates that the type is a data type in which dataappears in the defined order.

FIG. 8E illustrates a definition example of OSDTextConfiguration type.In the definition example of the OSDTextConfiguration type, complexTypeelement indicates that the type is defined as a complex type. Also,sequence element indicates that the type is a data type in which dataappears in the defined order.

FIG. 8F illustrates a definition example of OSDImgConfiguration type. Inthe definition example of the OSDImgConfiguration type, complexTypeelement indicates that the type is defined as a complex type. Also,sequence element indicates that the type is a data type in which dataappears in the defined order.

FIG. 8G illustrates a definition example of OSDConfigurationExtensiontype. In the definition example of the OSDConfigurationExtension type,complexType element indicates that the type is defined as a complextype. Also, sequence element indicates that the type is a data type inwhich data appears in the defined order.

FIGS. 9A to 9E, and 10A to 1° F. are each an illustration for describinga configuration of OSDConfigurationOptions type, which is a data typeaccording to this embodiment. It is assumed that the data type shown ineach of FIGS. 9A to 9E, and 10A to 1° F. is defined by using XSD likeFIGS. 8A to 8G.

FIG. 9A illustrates a definition example of OSDConfigurationOptionstype. In the OSDConfigurationOptions type, complexType element indicatesthat the type is defined as a complex type. Also, sequence elementindicates that the type is a data type in which data appears in thedefined order.

In the OSDConfigurationOptions type, the first field isMaximumNumberOfOSDs of int type. The next field is Type of OSDType type.The next field is PositionOption of string type. The next field isTextOption of OSDTextOptions type.

The next filed is ImageOption of OSDlmageOptions type. The last field isExtension of OSDConfigurationOptionsExtension type.

A descriptor of maxOccurs=“unbounded” indicates that a plurality of theabove-described Type fields and PositionOption fields can be present.Also, a descriptor of minOccurs=“0” indicates that TextOption,ImageOption, and Extension can be omitted.

FIG. 9B illustrates a definition example of OSDTextOptions type. In theOSDTextOptions type, complexType element indicates that the type isdefined as a complex type. Also, sequence element indicates that thetype is a data type in which data appears in the defined order.

In OSDTextOptions type, the first field is a Type field of string type.The next field is FontSizeRange type of IntRange type. The next field isDateFormat field of string type. The next field is TimeFormat field ofstring type. The next field is FontColor field of OSDColorOptions type.

The next field is BackgroundColor field of OSDColorOptions type. Thelast field is Extension field of OSDTextOptionsExtension type.

A descriptor of maxOccurs=“unbounded” indicates that a plurality of theabove-described Type fields, DateFormat fields, and TimeFormat fieldscan be present in the OSDTextOptions type.

Also, a descriptor of minOccurs=“0” indicates that FontSizeRange field,DateFormat field, TimeFormat field, and FontColor field can be omitted.Similarly, a descriptor of minOccurs=“0” indicates that BackgroundColorfield and Extension field can be omitted.

FIG. 9C illustrates a definition example of OSDImgOptions type. In theOSDImgOptions type, complexType element indicates that the type isdefined as a complex type. Also, sequence element indicates that thetype is a data type in which data appears in the defined order.

In OSDImgOptions type, the first field is ImagePath field of anyURItype. The next field is Extension field of OSDImgOptionsExtension type.A descriptor of maxOccurs=“unbounded” indicates that a plurality of theImagePath fields can be present in the OSDImgOptions type.

A descriptor of minOccurs=“0” indicates that Extension field can beomitted.

FIG. 9D illustrates a definition example ofOSDConfigurationOptionsExtension type. In theOSDConfigurationOptionsExtension type, complexType element indicatesthat the type is defined as a complex type. Also, sequence elementindicates that the type is a data type in which data appears in thedefined order.

FIG. 9E illustrates a definition example of IntRange type. In theIntRange type, complexType element indicates that the type is defined asa complex type. Also, sequence element indicates that the type is a datatype in which data appears in the defined order.

In the IntRange type, the first field is Min field of int type, and thelast field is Max field of int type.

FIG. 10A illustrates a definition example of OSDColorOptions type. Inthe OSDColorOptions type, complexType element indicates that the type isdefined as a complex type. Also, sequence element indicates that thetype is a data type in which data appears in the defined order.

A descriptor of minOccurs=“0” indicates that Color field, Transparentfield, and Extension field can be omitted.

FIG. 10B illustrates a definition example of OSDTextOptionsExtensiontype. In the OSDTextOptionsExtension type, complexType element indicatesthat the type is defined as a complex type. Also, sequence elementindicates that the type is a data type in which data appears in thedefined order.

FIG. 10C illustrates a definition example of ColorOptions type. In theColorOptions type, complexType element indicates that the type isdefined as a complex type. Also, sequence element indicates that thetype is a data type in which data appears in the defined order. Also,choice element in sequence element indicates that one included in thechoice element is selected.

To be specific, in the ColorOptions type, one from ColorList field, orone from ColorSpaceRange field (described later) is selected. Asdescribed above, one choice in ColorOptions type is ColorList field ofColor type. Another choice is ColorSpaceRange field of ColorSpaceRangetype.

A descriptor of maxOccurs=“unbounded” indicates that a plurality of theColorList fields and ColorSpaceRange fields can be present.

FIG. 10D illustrates a definition example of Color type. In the colortype, attribute element allows attributes X, Y, and Z of float type tobe described. Also, a descriptor of use=“required” indicates that theattributes X, Y, and Z are used for the Color type. Also, in the Colortype, attribute element allows an attribute Colorspace of anyURI type tobe described.

FIG. 10E illustrates a definition example of ColorSpaceRange type. Inthe ColorSpaceRange type, complexType element indicates that the type isdefined as a complex type. Also, sequence element indicates that thetype is a data type in which data appears in the defined order.

The first field of ColorspaceRange type is X field, the second fieldthereof is Y field, and the third field is Z field. The X field, Yfield, and Z field are data of FloatRange type. The last field ofColorspaceRange type is Colorspace field of anyURI type.

FIG. 10F illustrates a definition example of FloatRange type. In thedefinition of FloatRange type, complexType element indicates that thetype is defined as a complex type. Also, sequence element indicates thatthe type is a data type in which data appears in the defined order.

In the FloatRange type, the first field is Min field of float type, andthe last field is Max field of float type.

In this embodiment, the client apparatus 2000 acquires information ofOSD that can be set in an image capturing apparatus of this embodiment,from the image capturing apparatus, by using the above-described data ofOSDConfigurationOptions type. Also, the monitoring camera 1000 accordingto this embodiment uses the above-described data ofOSDConfigurationOptions type for transmitting capability informationrelating to OSD in the monitoring camera 1000.

FIG. 11 shows an example configuration of a parameter of the imageoverlay setting of OSDConfigurationOptions type shown in FIG. 9A. InFIG. 11, MaximumNumberOfOSDs field is 3, Type field associated withOSDOptions field is image and text, and PositionOption field is onlylower right.

A value associated with MaximumNumberOfOSDs field indicates the maximumnumber of OSD that can be set in the monitoring camera 1000. Also, avalue associated with Type field corresponding to OSDOptions fieldindicates a type of OSD that can be used in the monitoring camera 1000.The type of OSD includes at least a text. Further, the type of OSD mayinclude an image.

Further, a value associated with PositionOption field indicates theposition at which the OSD image output from the OSD generating unit 1007merged with (overlaid on) the captured image output from the imageprocessing unit 1003. It is to be noted that LowerRight is an example ofthis value. Also, LowerLeft, UpperRight, UpperLeft, and Custom are otherexamples of this value.

In FIG. 11, TextOption is described. Type field associated with thisTextOption field is plain text, date, or time. DateFormat field, whichis a display format of date, is yyyy/MM/dd, and TimeFormat field, whichis a display format of time, is HH:mm:ss.

That is, a value of Type field associated with TextOptions fieldindicates a type of OSD that can be used in the monitoring camera 1000.The date, time, and plain text are examples of this type. A value ofDateFormat field associated with TextOptions field indicates a format ofdate that can be used in the monitoring camera 1000.

A value of TimeFormat field associated with TextOptions field indicatesa format of time that can be used in the monitoring camera 1000.

Further, there are provided FontColor field and BackgroundColor field,which are setting of the font and background of the text. Transparentfield of each is set in a setting range from 0 to 2. Accordingly, thetransparency can be set for each of the font of the text and thebackground of the text.

Also, Color field is not defined in FontColor field or BackgroundColorfield; however, the font is black and the background is white in FIG. 4as typical setting. The details of ImageOption field are omitted.

The response in FIG. 11 according to this embodiment corresponds totransparency information indicative of whether or not the transparencycan be set for each of the text and the background of the text of theOSD image.

Also, in this embodiment, Transparent field associated with FontColorfield corresponds to information indicative of whether or not thetransparency can be set for the text (first portion) of the OSD image.

For example, the response of GetOSDOptions indicates that thetransparency cannot be set for the text of the OSD image if thisTransparent field is omitted. Also, this Transparent field indicatesthat the transparency cannot be set for the text of the OSD image ifvalues of Min field and Max field associated with this Transparent fieldare both 0.

Also, this Transparent field indicates that the transparency can be setfor the text of the OSD image if values of Min field and Max fieldassociated with this Transparent field are not the same. It is assumedthat the value of Max filed is larger than the value of Min field, andis larger than 0.

Also, in this embodiment, Transparent field associated withBackgroundColor field corresponds to information indicative of whetheror not the transparency can be set for the background of the text(second portion) of the OSD image.

For example, the response of GetOSDOptions indicates that thetransparency cannot be set for the background of the text of the OSDimage if this Transparent field is omitted. Also, this Transparent fieldindicates that the transparency cannot be set for the background of thetext of the OSD image if values of Min field and Max field associatedwith this Transparent field are both 0.

Also, this Transparent field indicates that the transparency can be setfor the background of the text of the OSD image if values of Min fieldand Max field associated with this Transparent field are not the same.It is assumed that the value of Max filed is larger than the value ofMin field, and is larger than 0.

Also, in the response in FIG. 11 according to this embodiment,Transparent field is not associated with ImageOption field. Accordingly,in this response, the transparency cannot be set for the image stored inthe location indicated by the information corresponding to ImagePathfield.

Then, FIG. 12 is a display example of an overlay image setting screen(that is, parameter setting screen of OSDConfigurationOptions) accordingto this embodiment. This display example is a display example when theclient apparatus 2000 receives the response ofGetOSDConfigurationOptions shown in FIG. 11. It is assumed that thescreen shown in FIG. 12 is displayed on the display unit 2002.

In FIG. 12, reference sign 10000 is a setting window ofOSDConfigurationOptions. When this setting window is created, theprocessing of the transactions from 6050 to 6054 in FIG. 7 is executedfrom the client apparatus 2000 to the monitoring camera 1000.

Reference sign 10001 in FIG. 12 is a tab for each OSD corresponding toMaximumNumberOfOSDs field shown in FIG. 11. Tabs 10001 are displayed bythe number corresponding to the number of MaximumNumbersOfOSDs fields.For example, in FIG. 11, 3 is associated with MaximumNumberOfOSDs field.In this case, three tabs 10001 are displayed.

Reference sign 10002 is a radio button for selecting Type field. Forexample, in FIG. 11, Text and Image are associated with Type field. Inthis case, a user can select one of “Text” and “Image” by operating theradio button 10002.

Alternatively, only Text may be associated with Type filed in theparameter of the image overlay setting received by the client apparatus2000. In this case, the user can select only “Text,” but cannot select“Image” by operating the radio button 10002.

Similarly, only Image may be associated with Type field in the parameterof the image overlay setting. In this case, the user can select only“Image,” but cannot select “Text” by operating the radio button 10002.

Also, reference sign 10003 is a drop-down list for settingPositionOption field. The drop-down list 10003 displays a valueassociated with PositionOption field in the parameter of the imageoverlay setting received by the client apparatus 2000.

For example, in FIG. 11, LowerRight is associated with PositionOptionfield. In this case, the drop-down list 10003 displays LowerRight.

Also, for example, the following values are associated withPositionOption field, in the parameter of the image overlay settingreceived by the client apparatus 2000. That is, the values areLowerRight, LowerLeft, UpperRight, UpperLeft, and Custom.

In this case, the drop-down list 10003 displays LowerRight, LowerLeft,UpperRight, UpperLeft, and Custom.

Reference sign 10004 is TextOption field. Further, reference sign 10005is a radio button for selecting Type field of TextOption field. To bemore specific, the radio button 10005 is for selecting one of valuesassociated with Type field of TextOption field in the parameter of theimage overlay setting received by the client apparatus 2000.

For example, in FIG. 11, Type filed corresponding to TextOption field isassociated with Plain, Date, and Time. In this case, the user can selectone of “Plain Text,” “Date,” and “Time” by operating the radio button10005.

Reference sign 10006 is a text box for inputting a value correspondingto FontSize field. To be more specific, the text box 10006 is forinputting a value associated with FontSize field in the parameter of theimage overlay setting received by the client apparatus 2000.

For example, in FIG. 11, FontSize field is omitted. In this case, in thetext box 10006, the input range is zero, and the input is invalid.Hence, the user cannot input a value in the text box 10006 in the screenof FIG. 12.

Also, for example, a value may be associated with FontSize filed in theparameter of the image overlay setting received by the client apparatus2000. In this case, an input can be made in the text box 10006. Hence,the user can input a value in the text box 10006 in the screen of FIG.12.

Reference sign 10007 is a drop-down list for setting DateFormat field.The drop-down list 10007 displays a value associated with DateFormatfield in the parameter of the image overlay setting received by theclient apparatus 2000.

For example, in FIG. 11, yyyy/MM/dd is associated with DateFormat field.In this case, the drop-down list 10007 displays “yyyy/MM/dd.”

Also, for example, yyyyMMdd or yyyy/MM/dd may be associated withDateFormat filed in the parameter of the image overlay setting receivedby the client apparatus 2000. In this case, the drop-down list 10007displays a list of “yyyyMMdd,” or “yyyy/MM/dd.”

Also, reference sign 10008 is a drop-down list for setting TimeFormatfield. The drop-down list 10008 displays a value associated withTimeFormat field in the parameter of the image overlay setting receivedby the client apparatus 2000.

For example, in FIG. 11, HH:mm:ss is associated with TimeFormat field.In this case, the drop-down list 10008 displays “HH:mm:ss.”

Reference sign 10009 is FontColor field. Reference sign 10010 is Colorfield for setting Color filed associated with FontColor field. The Colorfield 10010 includes a drop-down list, and three text boxes.

The drop-down list and three text boxes display a value of Color fieldassociated with FontColor field, in the parameter of the image overlaysetting received by the client apparatus 2000.

For example, in FIG. 11, Color field corresponding to FontColor field isomitted. In this case, an input is invalid in the drop-down list andthree text boxes included in the Color field 10010. Hence, the usercannot input a value in any of the drop-down list and the three textboxes included in the Color field 10010 in the screen of FIG. 12.

Also, for example, a value may be associated with FontColor filed in theparameter of the image overlay setting received by the client apparatus2000. In this case, an input can be made in the drop-down list and threetext boxes included in the Color field 10010. Hence, the user can inputa value in the drop-down list and three text boxes in the screen of FIG.12.

Reference sign 10011 is a text box for inputting a value correspondingto Transparent field in FontColor field. To be more specific, the textbox 10011 is for inputting a value corresponding to Transparent fieldassociated with FontColor field in the parameter of the image overlaysetting received by the client apparatus 2000.

For example, in FIG. 11, Min field with a value being “0” and Max fieldwith a value being “2” are associated with Transparent fieldcorresponding to FontColor field. In this case, the input range from 0to 2 is displayed at the text box 10011. Further, the user can input avalue in the text box 10011 in the screen of FIG. 12.

Reference sign 10012 is BackgroundColor field. Reference sign 10013 isColor field for setting Color filed associated with BackgroundColorfield. The Color field 10013 includes a drop-down list, and three textboxes.

The drop-down list and three text boxes display a value of Color fieldassociated with BackgroundColor field, in the parameter of the imageoverlay setting received by the client apparatus 2000.

For example, in FIG. 11, Color field corresponding to BackgroundColorfield is omitted. In this case, an input is invalid in the drop-downlist and three text boxes included in the Color field 10013. Hence, theuser cannot input a value in any of the drop-down list and three textboxes included in the Color field 10013 in the screen of FIG. 12.

Also, for example, a value may be associated with BackgroundColor filedin the parameter of the image overlay setting received by the clientapparatus 2000. In this case, an input can be made in the drop-down listand three text boxes included in the Color field 10013.

Hence, the user can input a value in the drop-down list and three textboxes in the screen of FIG. 12.

In FIG. 11, in Transparent field, since the Min value is 0 and the Maxvalue is 2, the input range from 0 to 2 is displayed.

Reference sign 10014 is a text box for inputting a value correspondingto Transparent field in BackgroundColor field. To be more specific, thetext box 10014 is for inputting a value corresponding to Transparentfield associated with BackgroundColor field, in the parameter of theimage overlay setting received by the client apparatus 2000.

For example, in FIG. 11, Min field with a value being “0” and Max fieldwith a value being “2” are associated with Transparent fieldcorresponding to BackgroundColor field. In this case, the input rangefrom 0 to 2 is displayed in the text box 10014. Further, the user caninput a value in the text box 10014 in the screen of FIG. 12.

Reference sign 10015 is ImageOption field for inputting a valuecorresponding to ImageOption field. The ImageOption field 10015 includesa text box for inputting a value corresponding to ImagePath fieldassociated with ImageOption field, in the parameter of the image overlaysetting received by the client apparatus 2000.

For example, in FIG. 11, a value corresponding to ImagePath fieldassociated with ImageOption field is omitted. In this case, an input isinvalid in the text box included in the ImageOption field 10015. Hence,the user cannot input a value in ImageOption field in the screen of FIG.12.

Also, for example, a value may be associated with ImagePath filed in theparameter of the image overlay setting received by the client apparatus2000. In this case, an input can be made in the text box included inImageOption field 10015. Hence, the user can input a value in theImageOption field in the screen of FIG. 12.

In this embodiment, the user can input information indicative of thelocation where an image is stored, in ImagePath field. Also, thisinformation corresponds to image information.

Reference sign 10016 is a setting button of OSDConfigurationOptions. Ifthis setting button is pressed, the transaction 6057 for changing theimage overlay setting from the client apparatus 2000 to the monitoringcamera 1000 is processed, and the setting window is closed.

Reference sign 10017 is an apply button of OSDConfigurationOptions. Ifthis apply button is pressed, the transaction 6057 for changing theimage overlay setting from the client apparatus 2000 to the monitoringcamera 1000 is processed, and the setting window is not closed.

Reference sign 10018 is a cancel button for setting change ofOSDConfigurationOptions. If this cancel button is pressed, thetransaction 6057 for changing the image overlay setting from the clientapparatus 2000 to the monitoring camera 1000 is not executed, and thesetting window is closed.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing display processing of the overlay imagesetting screen in the client apparatus 2000. That is, FIG. 13 is aflowchart of processing when the parameter of FontColor field acquiredin the transaction 6054 for requesting acquisition of the image overlaysetting is reflected on UI (user interface) of FIG. 12. This processingis executed by the control unit 2005.

In step S11001, the control unit 2005 determines whether or notTransparent field associated with FontColor is described in a responseof GetOSDOptions received by the communication unit 2004. It is to beassumed that the response of GetOSDOptions received by the communicationunit 2004 is stored in the storage unit 2006.

If the control unit 2005 determines that Transparent field associatedwith FontColor field is described in the response, the control unit 2005advances the processing to step S11002. In contrast, if the control unit2005 determines that Transparent field associated with FontColor fieldis not described in the response, the control unit 2005 advances theprocessing to step S11011.

In step S11002, the control unit 2005 acquires Transparent fieldassociated with FontColor field in the response of GetOSDOptionsreceived by the communication unit 2004. To be more specific, thecontrol unit 2005 reads Transparent field associated with FontColorfield in the response of GetOSDOptions received by the communicationunit 2004, from the storage unit 2006.

In step S11003, the control unit 2005 determines whether or not Minfield is included in Transparent field of FontColor field acquired instep S11002. If the control unit 2005 determines that Min field isincluded in Transparent field of FontColor field acquired in stepS11002, the control unit 2005 advances the processing to step S11004.

In contrast, if the control unit 2005 determines that Min field is notincluded in Transparent field of FontColor field acquired in stepS11002, the control unit 2005 advances the processing to step S11005.

In step S11004, the control unit 2005 acquires a Min value associatedwith Transparent field of FontColor field acquired in step S11002.

For example, the control unit 2005 reads a value corresponding to Minfield associated with Transparent field of FontColor field acquired instep S11002, from the storage unit 2006. Then, the control unit 2005causes the storage unit 2006 to store the read value as the Min value ofTransparent of FontColor.

In step S11005, the control unit 2005 causes the storage unit 2006 tostore “0” as the Min value of Transparent of FontColor.

In step S11006, the control unit 2005 determines whether or not Maxfield is included in Transparent field of FontColor field acquired instep S11002.

If the control unit 2005 determines that Max field is included inTransparent field of FontColor field acquired in step S11002, thecontrol unit 2005 advances the processing to step S11007.

In contrast, if the control unit 2005 determines that Max field is notincluded in Transparent field of FontColor field acquired in stepS11002, the control unit 2005 advances the processing to step S11011.

In step S11007, the control unit 2005 acquires a Max value ofTransparent field of FontColor field acquired in step S11002.

For example, the control unit 2005 reads a value corresponding to Maxfield associated with Transparent field of FontColor field acquired instep S11002, from the storage unit 2006. Then, the control unit 2005causes the storage unit 2006 to store the read value as the Max value ofTransparent of FontColor.

In step S11008, the control unit 2005 determines whether or not the Maxvalue associated with Transparent field of FontColor field acquired instep S11007 is larger than 0.

If the control unit 2005 determines that the Max value associated withTransparent field of FontColor field acquired in step S11007 is largerthan 0, the control unit 2005 advances the processing to step S11009.

In contrast, if the control unit 2005 determines that the Max valueassociated with Transparent field of FontColor field acquired in stepS11007 is not larger than 0, the control unit 2005 advances theprocessing to step S11011. Alternatively, the control unit 2005 mayadvance the processing to step S11011, instruct the communication unit2004 about this, and transmit an error response to the client apparatus2000.

In step S11009, the control unit 2005 causes the display unit 2002 todisplay the input range of 10011 in the screen of FIG. 12.

To be specific, the control unit 2005 reads the Min value of Transparentof FontColor from the storage unit 2006, and causes the display unit2002 to display the read Min value as a minimum value of 10011 in FIG.12. Also, the control unit 2005 reads the Max value of Transparent ofFontColor from the storage unit 2006, and causes the display unit 2002to display the read Max value as a maximum value of 10011 in FIG. 12.

In step S11010, the control unit 2005 causes the text box correspondingto 10011 in the screen of FIG. 12 to be valid. Hence, the user can inputa value in the text box corresponding to 10011 in the screen of FIG. 12.

In step S11011, the control unit 2005 causes the display unit 2002 todisplay the input range of 10011 in the screen of FIG. 12. To bespecific, the control unit 2005 causes the display unit 2002 to display0 as the input range of 10011 in FIG. 12.

In step S11012, the control unit 2005 causes the text box correspondingto 10011 in the screen of FIG. 12 to be invalid. Hence, the user cannotinput a value in the text box corresponding to 10011 in the screen ofFIG. 12.

When a field other than Transparent field of FontColor among the fieldsin FIG. 11 is reflected on the screen of FIG. 12, a flowchart similar tothe flowchart in FIG. 13 is applied.

For example, a case, in which Transparent field of BackgroundColor isreflected on UI of FIG. 12 together with Transparent field of FontColor,is described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 13. In thefollowing description, processing of reflecting Transparent field ofFontColor on UI of FIG. 12 is omitted.

In step S11001, the control unit 2005 determines whether or notTransparent field associated with BackgroundColor field is described inthe response of GetOSDOptions received by the communication unit 2004.It is to be assumed that the response of GetOSDOptions received by thecommunication unit 2004 is stored in the storage unit 2006.

If the control unit 2005 determines that Transparent field associatedwith BackgroundColor field is described in the response, the controlunit 2005 advances the processing to step S11002.

In contrast, if the control unit 2005 determines that Transparent fieldassociated with BackgroundColor field is not described in the response,the control unit 2005 advances the processing to step S11011.

In step S11002, the control unit 2005 acquires Transparent fieldassociated with BackgroundColor field in the response of GetOSDOptionsreceived by the communication unit 2004.

To be more specific, the control unit 2005 reads Transparent fieldassociated with BackgroundColor field in the response of GetOSDOptionsreceived by the communication unit 2004, from the storage unit 2006.

In step S11003, the control unit 2005 determines whether or not Minfield is included in Transparent field of BackgroundColor field acquiredin step S11002.

If the control unit 2005 determines that Min field is included inTransparent field of BackgroundColor field acquired in step S11002, thecontrol unit 2005 advances the processing to step S11004.

In contrast, if the control unit 2005 determines that Min field is notincluded in Transparent field of BackgroundColor field acquired in stepS11002, the control unit 2005 advances the processing to step S11005.

In step S11004, the control unit 2005 acquires a Min value associatedwith Transparent field of BackgroundColor field acquired in step S11002.

For example, the control unit 2005 reads a value corresponding to Minfield associated with Transparent field of BackgroundColor fieldacquired in step S11002, from the storage unit 2006. Then, the controlunit 2005 causes the storage unit 2006 to store the read value as theMin value of Transparent of BackgroundColor.

In step S11005, the control unit 2005 causes the storage unit 2006 tostore “0” as the Min value of Transparent of BackgroundColor.

In step S11006, the control unit 2005 determines whether or not Maxfield is included in Transparent field of BackgroundColor field acquiredin step S11002.

If the control unit 2005 determines that Max field is included inTransparent field of BackgroundColor field acquired in step S11002, thecontrol unit 2005 advances the processing to step S11007.

In contrast, if the control unit 2005 determines that Max field is notincluded in Transparent field of BackgroundColor field acquired in stepS11002, the control unit 2005 advances the processing to step S11011.

In step S11007, the control unit 2005 acquires a Max value associatedwith Transparent field of BackgroundColor field acquired in step S11002.

For example, the control unit 2005 reads a value corresponding to Maxfield associated with Transparent field of BackgroundColor fieldacquired in step S11002, from the storage unit 2006. Then, the controlunit 2005 causes the storage unit 2006 to store the read value as theMax value of Transparent of BackgroundColor.

In step S11008, the control unit 2005 determines whether or not the Maxvalue of Transparent of BackgroundColor acquired in step S11007 islarger than 0. If the control unit 2005 determines that the Max value ofTransparent of BackgroundColor acquired in step S11007 is larger than 0,the control unit 2005 advances the processing to step S11009.

In contrast, if the control unit 2005 determines that the Max value ofTransparent of BackgroundColor acquired in step S11007 is not largerthan 0, the control unit 2005 advances the processing to step S11011.Alternatively, the control unit 2005 may advance the processing to stepS11011, instruct the communication unit 2004 about this, and transmit anerror response to the client apparatus 2000.

In step S11009, the control unit 2005 causes the display unit 2002 todisplay the input range of 10014 in the screen of FIG. 12.

To be specific, the control unit 2005 reads the Min value of Transparentof BackgroundColor from the storage unit 2006, and causes the displayunit 2002 to display the read Min value as a minimum value of 10014 inFIG. 12. Also, the control unit 2005 reads the Max value of Transparentof BackgroundColor from the storage unit 2006, and causes the displayunit 2002 to display the read Max value as a maximum value of 10014 inFIG. 12.

In step S11010, the control unit 2005 causes the text box correspondingto 10014 in the screen of FIG. 12 to be valid. Hence, the user can inputa value in the text box corresponding to 10014 in the screen of FIG. 12.

In step S11011, the control unit 2005 causes the display unit 2002 todisplay the input range of 10014 in the screen of FIG. 12. To bespecific, the control unit 2005 causes the display unit 2002 to display0 as the input range of 10014 in FIG. 12.

In step S11012, the control unit 2005 causes the text box correspondingto 10014 in the screen of FIG. 12 to be invalid. Hence, the user cannotinput a value in the text box corresponding to 10014 in the screen ofFIG. 12.

As described above, in this embodiment, the monitoring camera 1000transmits the response of GetOSDOptions command indicative of whether ornot the transparency can be set for each of the text and the backgroundof the text of the OSD image, to the client apparatus 2000.

Hence, the client apparatus 2000 can recognize whether or not thetransparency can be set for each of the text and the background of thetext included in the OSD image, which is overlaid by the monitoringcamera 1000.

For example, a case is assumed in which a monitoring camera A thatcannot set the transparency of the OSD image, a monitoring camera B thatcan set the transparency of the entire OSD image, and a monitoringcamera C that can set the transparency of each of the text and thebackground of the text of the OSD image.

Even in this assumption, in the monitoring camera of this embodiment,the client apparatus 2000 can recognize which one of the monitoringcameras A to C can set the transparency for each of the text and thebackground of the text of the OSD image.

In this embodiment, the compressing and encoding unit 1004 is formed tomerge the OSD image output from the OSD generating unit 1007 with thecaptured image output from the image processing unit 1003; however, itis not limited thereto. For example, the compressing and encoding unit1004 may be formed to merge an image received from the client apparatus2000 by the communication unit 1005 with the captured image output fromthe image processing unit 1003.

Also, in this embodiment, the screen of FIG. 12 is formed so that theradio button 10005 for selecting Type field of TextOption field in FIG.11 is displayed. Further, the screen of FIG. 12 may be formed such that,if PlainText is selected by the radio button 10005, a text box forinputting a text corresponding to this PlainText is displayed.

Also, in this embodiment, the OSD image is described as an example ofoverlay information. However, the overlay information is not limited tothe OSD image. For example, the overlay information may be a mask image.In this case, the mask image is an image to cause a certain portion ofan object included in a captured image to be hardly viewed.

Also, in this embodiment, regarding the configuration of the parametershown in FIG. 11, Min field with the value of “0” and Max field with thevalue of “2” are associated with Transparent field associated withFontColor field. This indicates that the value of Transparent fieldassociated with FontColor field is restricted to a predetermined range(0 to 2).

If the value of this Transparent field is the value of Min fieldassociated with this Transparent field, the transparency of the textincluded in the OSD image becomes the lowest. As the value of thisTransparent field becomes larger than the value of Min field, thetransparency of the text included in the OSD image becomes higher.

Similarly, in this embodiment, regarding the configuration of theparameter shown in FIG. 11, Min field with the value of “0” and Maxfield with the value of “2” are associated with Transparent fieldassociated with BackgroundColor field. This indicates that the value ofTransparent field associated with BackgroundColor field is restricted toa predetermined range (0 to 2).

If the value of Transparent field is the value of Min field associatedwith Transparent field, the transparency of the background of the textincluded in the OSD image becomes the lowest. As the value ofTransparent field becomes larger than the value of Min field, thetransparency of the background of the text included in the OSD imagebecomes higher.

Also, in this embodiment, the parameter shown in FIG. 11 is configuredsuch that Transparent field associated with FontColor field andTransparent field associated with BackgroundColor field may have thesame range of values.

However, it is not limited thereto. For example, Transparent fieldassociated with FontColor field and Transparent field associated withBackgroundColor field have different ranges of values.

Also, a dome cover formed in a semispherical shape may be added to themonitoring camera 1000 according to this embodiment. This dome cover istransparent, and is formed in a semispherical shape. Further, the domecover covers the lens 1001 etc.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are the flowcharts for describing the merging processingof the captured image and the OSD image with the monitoring camera Cthat can set different transparencies of the text and the background ofthe text of the OSD image.

For example, processing of merging the captured image with the OSD imagein the monitoring camera A that cannot set the transparency of the OSDimage is described with reference to FIG. 3A. Steps S3001 to S3003 inthe monitoring camera A are similar to steps S3001 to S3003 in themonitoring camera C, and hence the description is omitted.

In step S3004 in the monitoring camera A, the control unit 1008instructs the OSD generating unit 1007 to generate an OSD image asbitmap data. The OSD image corresponds to the color etc. designated inthe OSD setting information received in step S3001. However, the OSDimage does not correspond to the transparency designated in the OSDsetting information received in step S3001.

The control unit 1008 advances the processing to step S3005 withoutexecuting the OSD image generation processing in FIG. 3B. Step S3005 inthe monitoring camera A is similar to step S3005 in the monitoringcamera C, and hence the description is omitted.

For example, processing of merging the captured image with the OSD imagein the monitoring camera B that can set the transparency of the entireOSD image is described with reference to FIG. 3A. Steps S3001 to S3005in the monitoring camera B are similar to steps S3001 to S3005 in themonitoring camera C, and hence the description is omitted.

In step S3101 in the monitoring camera B, the control unit 1008determines the transparency of the entire OSD image designated in theOSD setting information received in step S3001.

For example, in this embodiment, it is assumed that the transparency ofthe entire OSD image has three levels. Based on this assumption, thecontrol unit 1008 advances the processing to step S3102 if thetransparency of the entire OSD image designated in the OSD settinginformation received in step S3001 is 0. Also, the control unit 1008advances the processing to step S3103 if the transparency of the entireOSD image designated in the OSD setting information received in stepS3001 is 1.

The control unit 1008 advances the processing to step S3104 if thetransparency of the entire OSD image designated in the OSD settinginformation received in step S3001 is 2.

In step S3102 in the monitoring camera B, the control unit 1008instructs the OSD generating unit 1007 to generate this OSD image sothat the entire OSD image is blended by 100% with the captured image bythe compressing and encoding unit 1004. Accordingly, the captured imageoutput form the image processing unit 1003 is not viewed in atransparent manner from beneath the entire generated OSD image.

In step S3103 in the monitoring camera B, the control unit 1008instructs the OSD generating unit 1007 to generate this OSD image sothat the entire OSD image is blended by 50% with the captured image bythe compressing and encoding unit 1004. Accordingly, the captured imageoutput form the image processing unit 1003 may be viewed in atransparent manner from beneath the entire generated OSD image.

In step S3104 in the monitoring camera B, the control unit 1008instructs the OSD generating unit 1007 to generate this OSD image sothat the entire OSD image is not blended with the captured image by thecompressing and encoding unit 1004. Accordingly, the entire generatedOSD image is not overlaid on the captured image output from the imageprocessing unit 1003.

Then, after the control unit 1008 executes the processing in any one ofsteps S3102, S3103, and S3104, the control unit 1008 ends the OSD imagegeneration processing in FIG. 3B without advancing the processing tostep S3105.

Also, in this embodiment, in step S3101, the control unit 1008 isconfigured to advance the processing to step S3102 if the transparencyof the font designated in the OSD setting information received in stepS3001 is 0. Further, in step S3101, the control unit 1008 is configuredto advance the processing to step S3103 if the transparency is 1, andadvance the processing to step S3104 if the transparency is 2.

However, it is not limited thereto. For example, in step S3101, thecontrol unit 1008 may be configured to advance the processing to stepS3102 if the transparency is lower than 0.5, and advance the processingto step S3103 if the transparency is 0.5 or higher and lower than 1.5.Further, the control unit 1008 may be configured to advance theprocessing to step S3104 if the transparency is 1.5 or higher.

Also, in this embodiment, in step S3105, the control unit 1008 isconfigured to advance the processing to step S3106 if the transparencyof the background designated in the OSD setting information received instep S3001 is 0. Further, in step S3105, the control unit 1008 isconfigured to advance the processing to step S3107 if the transparencyis 1, and advance the processing to step S3108 if the transparency is 2.

However, it is not limited thereto. For example, in step S3105, thecontrol unit 1008 may be configured to advance the processing to stepS3106 if the transparency is lower than 0.5, and advance the processingto step S3107 if the transparency is 0.5 or higher and lower than 1.5.Further, the control unit 1008 may be configured to advance theprocessing to step S3108 if the transparency is 1.5 or higher.

Also, in this embodiment, FontColor field and BackgroundColor field aredescribed in the responses of FIG. 11; however, it is not limitedthereto.

For example, in the response in FIG. 11, ExtentionColor fieldcorresponding to the data area 5005 in FIG. 5B may be described. ThisExtentionColor field is for setting the transparency and color of thedata area 5005.

Further, in the response in FIG. 11, Transparent field may be describedin association with this ExtentionColor field. Further, Max field andMin field may be described in association with Transparent field. Forexample, the value of Max field may be 2, and also the value of Minfield may be 2.

Further, in the response in FIG. 11, Transparent field may be describedin association with this ExtentionColor field.

Also, in this embodiment, as described with reference to FIG. 5B, theoutline is part of the background included in the OSD image; however, itis not limited thereto. For example, the outline may be handledseparately from the text and the background of the text included in theOSD image.

For example, OutlineColor field may be described in the response in FIG.11 so that the color and transparency can be set for the outline. Forexample, by describing Transparent field in association with thisOutlineColor field, so that the transparency can be set for the outline.

Further, in the response in FIG. 11, Max field and Min field may bedescribed in association with Transparent field. For example, the valueof Min field may be 0, and the value of Max field may be 1. Also, bydescribing Color field in association with OutlineColor field, the colorcan be set for the outline.

OTHER EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the present invention can also be realized by a computerof a system or apparatus that reads out and executes computer executableinstructions recorded on a storage medium (e.g., non-transitorycomputer-readable storage medium) to perform the functions of one ormore of the above-described embodiment(s) of the present invention, andby a method performed by the computer of the system or apparatus by, forexample, reading out and executing the computer executable instructionsfrom the storage medium to perform the functions of one or more of theabove-described embodiment(s). The computer may comprise one or more ofa central processing unit (CPU), micro processing unit (MPU), or othercircuitry, and may include a network of separate computers or separatecomputer processors. The computer executable instructions may beprovided to the computer, for example, from a network or the storagemedium. The storage medium may include, for example, one or more of ahard disk, a random-access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), astorage of distributed computing systems, an optical disk (such as acompact disc (CD), digital versatile disc (DVD), or Blu-ray Disc (BD)™),a flash memory device, a memory card, and the like.

While the present invention has been described with reference toexemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is notlimited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of thefollowing claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as toencompass all such modifications and equivalent structures andfunctions.

1. An apparatus comprising: an image capturing section configured tocapture an image of an object; an overlaying section configured tooverlay overlay information on the captured image; and a transmittingsection configured to transmit transparency information indicative ofwhether or not a transparency can be set for the overlay information toan external apparatus through a network, wherein the overlay informationis a mask image.
 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein theoverlay information includes a first portion and a second portion, andthe transparency information indicates whether or not a transparency canbe set for each of the first portion and the second portion of theoverlay information.
 3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein thetransparency information indicates whether the transparency can be setfor the first portion, the transparency can be set for the secondportion, the transparency can be set for each of the first portion andthe second portion, or the transparency cannot be set for the firstportion or the second portion.
 4. The apparatus according to claim 2,wherein, if the transparency information indicates that the transparencycan be set for each of the first portion and the second portion, thetransparency corresponding to the first portion and the transparencycorresponding to the second portion are each restricted in apredetermined range.
 5. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, ifthe transparency information indicates that the transparency can be setfor each of the first portion and the second portion, a range of thetransparency corresponding to the first portion and a range of thetransparency corresponding to the second portion are different from eachother.
 6. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, if thetransparency information indicates that the transparency can be set foreach of the first portion and the second portion, the transparencyinformation includes a range of the transparency corresponding to thefirst portion and a range of the transparency corresponding to thesecond portion.
 7. The apparatus according to claim 6, furthercomprising: a receiving section configured to receive the transparencyset for the first portion, from an external apparatus via a network; anda determining section configured to determine whether or not thetransparency set for the received first portion is included in the rangeof the transparency corresponding to the transmitted first portion,wherein, if the transparency is included, the transmitting sectiontransmits information indicative of a normal state, and if thetransparency is not included, the transmitting section transmitsinformation indicative of an error state, to the external apparatus. 8.The apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising: a receivingsection configured to receive the transparency of the overlayinformation from an external apparatus via a network; and a determiningsection configured to, if the transmitted transparency informationindicates that the transparency cannot be set for the first portion orthe second portion, determine whether or not the transparency for eachof the first portion and the second portion has been received, wherein,if the transparency for each of the first portion and the second portionhas been received, the transmitting section transmits informationindicative of an error state, to the external apparatus.
 9. An externalapparatus that can make communication with an apparatus via a network,the apparatus including an image capturing unit configured to capture animage of an object and an overlaying unit configured to overlay overlayinformation on the captured image, comprising: an acquiring sectionconfigured to acquire transparency information indicative of whether ornot a transparency can be set for the overlay information, which isoverlaid, from the apparatus, wherein the overlay information is a maskimage.
 10. The external apparatus according to claim 9, wherein theoverlay information includes a first portion and a second portion, andthe transparency information indicates whether or not a transparency canbe set for each of the first portion and the second portion of theoverlay information.
 11. The external apparatus according to claim 10,further comprising: a user interface section configured to, if theacquired transparency information indicates that the transparency can beset for each of the first portion and the second portion, input thetransparency for each of the first portion and the second portion, andif the acquired transparency information does not indicate that thetransparency can be set for each of the first portion and the secondportion, be unable to input the transparency for each of the firstportion and the second portion.
 12. The external apparatus according toclaim 9, further comprising: a receiving section configured to receiveoverlay capability information indicative of whether or not theoverlaying unit can overlay the overlay information on the capturedimage; and a control section configured to, if the receiving sectionreceives the overlay capability information indicative that theoverlaying unit can overlay the overlay information on the capturedimage, control the acquiring section to acquire the transparencyinformation.
 13. A control method of an apparatus for communicating withan external apparatus via a network, comprising: capturing an image ofan object; overlaying overlay information on the captured image; andtransmitting transparency information indicative of whether or not atransparency can be set for the overlay information to the externalapparatus.
 14. A computer readable storage medium storing a computerexecutable program of instructions for causing a computer to perform amethod for controlling an apparatus that communicates with an externalapparatus via a network, the method comprising: capturing an image of anobject; overlaying overlay information on the captured image; andtransmitting transparency information indicative of whether or not atransparency can be set for each of the overlay information to theexternal apparatus, wherein the overlay information is a mask image. 15.An apparatus for communicating with an external apparatus via a network,comprising: an image capturing section configured to capture an image ofan object; an overlaying section configured to overlay overlayinformation on the captured image; and a transmitting section configuredto, if the overlay information is first overlay information, transmittransparency information indicative that the transparency cannot be set,to the external apparatus, and if the overlay information is secondoverlay information, transmit transparency information indicative ofwhether or not the transparency can be set for the second overlayinformation, to the external apparatus, wherein the overlay informationis a mask image.
 16. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein thefirst overlay information is an image corresponding to image informationthat is designated by the external apparatus.
 17. The apparatusaccording to claim 15, further comprising: a storage unit configured tostore an image, wherein the first overlay information is the imagestored in the storage unit.
 18. The apparatus according to claim 15,further comprising: a receiving unit configured to receive an image,wherein the first overlay information is the image received by thereceiving unit.
 19. An external apparatus for communicating with anapparatus via a network, the apparatus including an image capturing unitconfigured to capture an image of an object and an overlaying unitconfigured to overlay overlay information on the captured image,comprising: an acquiring section configured to, if the overlayinformation is first overlay information, acquire transparencyinformation indicative that a transparency cannot be set, from theapparatus, and if the overlay information is second overlay information,acquire transparency information indicative of whether or not thetransparency can be set for the second overlay information, from theapparatus, wherein the overlay information is a mask image.
 20. Acontrol method of an apparatus for communicating with an externalapparatus via a network, comprising: capturing an image of an object;overlaying overlay information on the captured image; and transmitting,if the overlay information is first overlay information, transparencyinformation indicative that a transparency cannot be set, to theexternal apparatus, and if the overlay information is second overlayinformation, transmitting transparency information indicative of whetheror not the transparency can be set for the second information, to theexternal apparatus, wherein the overlay information is a mask image. 21.A computer readable storage medium storing a computer executable programof instructions for causing a computer to perform a method forcontrolling an apparatus that communicates with an external apparatusvia a network, the method comprising: capturing an image of an object;overlaying overlay information on the captured image; and transmitting,if the overlay information is first overlay information, transparencyinformation indicative that a transparency cannot be set, to theexternal apparatus, and if the overlay information is second overlayinformation, transmitting transparency information indicative of whetheror not the transparency can be set for the second information, to theexternal apparatus, wherein the overlay information is a mask image.